A total of 1,090 (55.3%) of the country's 1,972 state senate seats are up for election in November 2014, and 4,958 (91.6%) of the country's 5,411 state house seats are up for election. Altogether, 6,048 (81.9%) of the country's 7,383 state legislative seats are up for election during the midterm election year.

The 6,048 seats up for election is 33 more than the 6,015 that were contested in 2012.

What's at stake

After the 2008 election, the GOP launched a strategy called the REDistricting MAjority Project, or REDMAP. The strategy shifted GOP focus towards state legislative elections in an effort to control the redistricting process following the 2010 census. REDMAP was successful, netting Republicans more than 660 state legislative seats in November 2010.

Heading into the redistricting process, the GOP took over both legislative chambers in 25 states and had control of the legislature and governorship in 21 states. They used this advantage to realign districts in their favor, securing Republican-controlled seats and allowing for some states to elect Republican majorities while losing the popular vote. For example, Democrats in Michigan won more than 54 percent of the vote in state House elections yet ended up with only 51 of the 110 seats.

The GOP control on the state level has also been used to pass voter ID and registration laws that Democrats claim are intended to restrict minority voting. Republicans have also made use of their majorities to pass measures limiting abortion, unions and same-sex marriage.[1][2]

In 2012, Democrats were able to gain back some of the ground lost in 2010, gaining control of 41 chambers from 36. Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean announced in early 2013 that the political action committee he founded would be pushing to flip state legislatures through data-driven campaigns on behalf of candidates in key states.[3] The AFL-CIO has set its sights on state legislative and gubernatorial elections in Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.[4]

Battleground chambers

Of the 87 chambers with elections in 2014, Ballotpedia staff identified the top 20 state legislative chambers to watch. In 15 of the chambers, the difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republicans amounts to 10 percent or less of the seats up for election in 2014. If any of the country's state legislative chambers do switch party control as a result of the November 2014 elections, those switches are most likely to occur in these 15 chambers. An additional five chambers were included for having a small difference in partisan balance even though that difference was greater than 10 percent of the seats up for election. Vacant seats were attributed to the party that previously held the district.

The following table details the 20 chambers on Ballotpedia's list. Competitive districts are defined by a margin of victory of 5 percent or less in 2012. Mildly competitive districts are defined by a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

Impact of term limits

Fourteen state senate chambers and thirteen state house chambers holding general elections on November 4, 2014, include some state legislators who are unable to run for re-election in 2014 because of their state's legislative term limits.

A total of 63 state senators are termed-out in 2014. This represents 19% of the 331 total state senate seats up for election in the 14 term-limited state senates with elections in November 2014.

A total of 160 state representatives are termed-out. This represents 12.7% of the 1,261 total seats up for election in the 13 term-limited states with elections in November 2014.

Altogether, 223 current state legislators must leave office after the November elections because of term limits. This is 14% of the 1,592 state legislative seats up for election in the 14 term-limited states with 2014 elections, and about 3.7% of the 6,047 state legislative seats that are up for election altogether in 2014, including the non-term-limited states.

State senators

There are 42 state senates holding general elections in November 2014. In 14 of these states, state senators are subject to term limits. Louisiana is the only state with state senate term limits that will not have a general election in 2014.

Going into the 2014 elections, the Democratic Party is the majority party in four of the 14 state senates with term limits. The Republican Party is the majority in 9 of the 14 state senates with term limits. Nebraska's state senate is term-limited and officially Non-partisan.

In four states, more Democrats are term-limited out than Republicans. In California, the majority party is Democratic. In Arkansas, Florida and Montana, the majority party is Republican.

In seven states, more Republicans are term-limited out than Democrats. In Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma and South Dakota, the majority party is Republican. In Colorado, Maine and Nevada, the majority party is Democratic.

In one state, Ohio, equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats are term-limited in November 2014. Heading into the election, the majority party in Ohio is Republican.

There are no Arizona senators affected by term-limits in 2014.

State representatives

There are 45 state houses holding general elections in November 2014. In 13 of these states, state house terms are subject to term limits. There are 15 states with state legislative term limits, but Louisiana will not hold a state house election in 2014 and Nebraska does not have a state house.

160 current state representatives are ineligible to run for re-election in November because of term limit laws in their state. This includes:

73 incumbent Democratic state representatives

87 incumbent Republican state representatives

Going into the 2014 elections, the Democratic Party is the majority party in four of the 14 state senates with term limits. The Republican Party is the majority in 9 of the 14 state senates with term limits. Nebraska's state senate is term-limited and officially Non-partisan.

In four states, more Democrats are term-limited out than Republicans. In California, the majority party is Democratic. In Arkansas, Florida and Montana, the majority party is Republican.

In seven states, more Republicans are term-limited out than Democrats. In Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma and South Dakota, the majority party is Republican. In Colorado, Maine and Nevada, the majority party is Democratic.

In one state, Ohio, equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats are term-limited in November 2014. Heading into the election, the majority party in Ohio is Republican.

There are no Arizona senators affected by term-limits in 2014.

Impact on parties

Republican representatives will take a larger hit from term limits in the 2014 state legislative elections than the Democratic Party, both in terms of how many individual incumbent legislators the Republican Party will lose (113, versus 95 for the Democratic Party) and in terms of how many state legislative chambers lost more Republicans (12, versus 10 for Democrats).

Incumbents

The following table details the number of state legislators unable to run for re-election due to term limits broken down by party and chamber. Republicans, who control about 11% more seats across the country, will lose 19% more incumbents to term limits than Democrats.

Party

# of termed senators

# of termed representatives

Total

Democratic

22

73

95

Republican

24

87

113

Non-partisan

17

0

17

Chambers

The following table details the number of chambers where one party will lose more incumbents due to term limits.

Length of primary campaigns

While each state holds a primary, the amount of time between signature filing deadlines can differ greatly. In 2014, candidates running for state legislative office in North Dakota had just 64 days between their filing deadline and primary. Meanwhile, candidates in Missouri had a massive 133 days, more than double that of North Dakota, to campaign for the primary election. On average, candidates were given about 84 days between the filing deadline and primary election to get their message to voters.

Alabama

The Republicans hold a 12 seat lead in the Senate, which is 34.2 percent of the 35 seats up for election in 2014. The 27-seat Republican lead in the House is 25.71 percent of the 105 seats up for election in 2014. Alabama's state senators and representatives are elected to a four-year term that begins at midnight following the day of the election.

Alaska

The Republicans hold a six seat lead in the Senate, which is 60 percent of the ten seats up for election in 2014. The 12-seat Republican lead in the House is 30 percent of the 40 seats up for election in 2014. Alaska's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins the fourth Monday of January following a November election.

Arizona

The Republicans hold a four seat lead in the Senate, which is 13 percent of the thirty seats up for election in 2014. The 12-seat Republican lead in the House is 20 percent of the 60 seats up for election in 2014. Arizona's state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins the first day of the session after they are elected. Each regular session begins on the first Monday in January. Members are limited to four terms, for a total of eight years.

Battleground chamber: The Arizona Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of four seats, which amounts to 13 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of four districts were competitive or mildly competitive. In 2012, District 8 had a margin of victory of three percent. Three other districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

Arkansas

The Republicans hold a nine seat lead in the Senate, which is 50 percent of the 18 seats up for election in 2014. The 3-seat Republican lead in the House is 3 percent of the 100 seats up for election in 2014. Arkansas's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins the first day of the session after they are elected. Each regular session begins on the second Monday in January. Members are limited to two terms, for a total of eight years.

Battleground chamber: The Arkansas House has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of three seats, which amounts to 3 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of 17 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were seven districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another 10 districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

California

The Democrats hold a 16 seat lead in the Senate, which is 80 percent of the 20 seats up for election in 2014. The 31-seat Democratic lead in the Assembly is 38.8 percent of the 80 seats up for election in 2014. California's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first Monday in December following their election. Senators are limited to serving no more than two four-year terms. California's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Monday in December following their election. Representatives are limited to serving no more than four two-year terms.

Colorado

The Democrats hold a one seat lead in the Senate, which is 5.6 percent of the 18 seats up for election in 2014. The 9-seat Democratic lead in the House is 13.8 percent of the 65 seats up for election in 2014. Colorado's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on first day of the legislative session after their election, which begins no later than 10:00 AM on the second Wednesday of January. Senators are limited to to no more than two consecutive terms. Colorado's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on first day of the legislative session after their election, which begins no later than 10:00 AM on the second Wednesday of January. Representatives are limited to no more than four consecutive terms.

Battleground chamber: The Colorado Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of one seat, which amounts to 5.6 percent of the seats up for election in 2014. In 2012, when 16 districts were up for election, a total of six districts were competitive or mildly competitive. Two of those districts, District 19 and District 22, are up for election again in 2014. Both of those districts had a margin of victory of 5 percent or less in 2012.

Connecticut

The Democrats hold a eight seat lead in the Senate, which is 22.2 percent of the 36 seats up for election in 2014. The 43-seat Democratic lead in the House is 28.5 percent of the 151 seats up for election in 2014. Connecticut's state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins on the Wednesday following the first Monday of January after their election. Connecticut's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the Wednesday following the first Monday of January after their election.

Delaware

The Democrats hold a five seat lead in the Senate, which is 50 percent of the 10 seats up for election in 2014. The 13-seat Democratic lead in the House is 31.7 percent of the 41 seats up for election in 2014. Delaware's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins the second Tuesday in January following their election.. Delaware's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins the second Tuesday in January following their election.

Florida

The Republicans hold a 12 seat lead in the Senate, which is 60 percent of the 20 seats up for election in 2014. The 30-seat Republican lead in the House is 25 percent of the 120 seats up for election in 2014. Florida's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins two weeks following their election. Senators are limited to no more than two consecutive four-year terms. Florida's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins two weeks following their election. Representatives are limited to no more than four consecutive terms.

Georgia

The Republicans hold a 20 seat lead in the Senate, which is 35.7 percent of the 56 seats up for election in 2014. The 59-seat Republican lead in the House is 33 percent of the 180 seats up for election in 2014. Georgia's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the second Monday in January. Georgia's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the second Monday in January.

Hawaii

The Democrats hold a 23 seat lead in the Senate, which is 176 percent of the 13 seats up for election in 2014. The 37-seat Democratic lead in the House is 72.5 percent of the 51 seats up for election in 2014. Hawaii's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first day of Legislative session after the election (usually the third Wednesday of January). Hawaii's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of Legislative session after the election (usually the third Wednesday of January).

Idaho

The Republicans hold a 21 seat lead in the Senate, which is 60 percent of the 35 seats up for election in 2014. The 44-seat Republican lead in the House is 62 percent of the 70 seats up for election in 2014. Idaho's state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of December following the general election. Idaho's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of December following the general election.

Illinois

The Democrats hold a 21 seat lead in the Senate, which is 111 percent of the 19 seats up for election in 2014. The 24-seat Democratic lead in the House is 20.34 percent of the 118 seats up for election in 2014. Illinois' state senators are elected to a two or four-year term that begins on the second Wednesday in January. Under the Illinois Constitution of 1970, senators are divided into three groups, each group having a two-year term at a different part of the decade between censuses, with the rest of the decade being taken up by two four-year terms Illinois' state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the second Wednesday in January.

Indiana

The Republicans hold a 24 seat lead in the Senate, which is 96 percent of the 25 seats up for election in 2014. The 38-seat Republican lead in the House is 38 percent of the 100 seats up for election in 2014. Indiana's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the day after their general election. Indiana's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the day after their general election.

Iowa

The Democrats hold a two seat lead in the Senate, which is 8 percent of the 25 seats up for election in 2014. The six-seat Republican lead in the House is 6 percent of the 100 seats up for election in 2014. Iowa's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the second Monday of January after their election. Iowa's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the second Monday of January after their election.

Battleground chambers: The Iowa Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of two seats, which amounts to 8 percent of the chamber. In 2012, when 26 seats were up for election, a total of 12 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. One of those districts, District 49, is up for election again in 2014. That district had a margin of victory of 9 percent in 2012.

The Iowa House has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of six seats, which amounts to 6 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of 27 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were 18 districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another nine districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

Kansas

The Republicans hold a 61 seat lead in the House, which is 48.80 percent of the 125 seats up for election in 2014. Kansas's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the second Monday of January after their election.

Kentucky

The Republicans hold a nine seat lead in the Senate, which is 47.4 percent of the 19 seats up for election in 2014. The eight-seat Democratic lead in the House is 8 percent of the 100 seats up for election in 2014. Kentucky's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first day of January after their election. Kentucky's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of January after their election.

Battleground chamber: The Kentucky House has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of eight seats, which amounts to 8 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of 12 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were four districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another 10 districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

Maine

The Democrats hold a four seat lead in the Senate, which is 11.4 percent of the 35 seats up for election in 2014. The 31-seat Democratic lead in the House is 20.5 percent of the 151 seats up for election in 2014. Maine's state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Wednesday in December after their election. Senators are limited to no more than four consecutive terms. Maine's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Wednesday in December after their election. Representatives are limited to no more than four consecutive terms.

Battleground chamber: The Maine Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of four seats, which amounts to 11.4 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of 14 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were seven districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another seven districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

Maryland

The Democrats hold a 23 seat lead in the Senate, which is 48.9 percent of the 47 seats up for election in 2014. The 55-seat Democratic lead in the House is 39 percent of the 141 seats up for election in 2014. Maryland's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the second Wednesday in January after the election. Maryland's state representatives are elected to a four-year term that begins on the second Wednesday in January after the election.

Massachusetts

The Democrats hold a 32 seat lead in the Senate, which is 80 percent of the 40 seats up for election in 2014. The 102-seat Democratic lead in the House is 63.75 percent of the 160 seats up for election in 2014. Massachusetts' state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Wednesday in January after the election. Massachusetts' state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Wednesday in January after the election.

Michigan

The Republicans hold a 14 seat lead in the Senate, which is 36.8 percent of the 38 seats up for election in 2014. The nine-seat Republican lead in the House is 8.2 percent of the 110 seats up for election in 2014. Michigan's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first day of January. Michigan's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of January.

Battleground chamber: The Michigan House has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of nine seats, which amounts to 8.2 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of 21 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were eight districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another 13 districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

Minnesota

The Democrats hold a 12 seat lead in the House, which is 9 percent of the 134 seats up for election in 2014. Minnesota's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of the legislative session.

Battleground chamber: The Minnesota House has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of 12 seats, which amounts to 9 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of 38 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were 17 districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another 21 districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

Missouri

The Republicans hold a 14 seat lead in the Senate, which is 82.35 percent of the 17 seats up for election in 2014. The 57-seat Republican lead in the House is 34.97 percent of the 163 seats up for election in 2014. Missouri's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first day of the legislative session. Senators are limited to no more than two four-year terms. Missouri's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of the legislative session. Representatives are limited to no more than four two-year terms.

Montana

The Republicans hold a eight seat lead in the Senate, which is 32 percent of the 25 seats up for election in 2014. The 22-seat Republican lead in the House is 22 percent of the 100 seats up for election in 2014. Montana's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first Monday of January following the election. Montana term limits state that officials may not seek re-election if they have held office for eight years in a 16-year period. Montana's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Monday of January following the election. Montana term limits state that officials may not seek re-election if they have held office for eight years in a 16-year period.

Nevada

The Democrats hold a one seat lead in the Senate, which is 9.1 percent of the 11 seats up for election in 2014. The 12-seat Democratic lead in the House is 28.57 percent of the 42 seats up for election in 2014. Nevada's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the day after the election. Nevada's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the day after the election.

Battleground chamber: The Nevada Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of one seat, which amounts to 9 percent of the seats up for election in 2014. In 2012, a total of five districts were competitive, with a margin of victory was 5 percent or less.

New Hampshire

The Republicans hold a two seat lead in the Senate, which is 8.3 percent of the 24 seats up for election in 2014. The 40-seat Democratic lead in the House is 10 percent of the 400 seats up for election in 2014. New Hampshire's state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins on the month after elections (December). New Hampshire's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the month after elections (December).

Battleground chambers: With vacant seats counting towards the party that previously held the seat, the New Hampshire Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of two seats, which amounts to 8.3 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of eight districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were five districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another three districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

With vacant seats counting towards the party that previously held the seat, the New Hampshire House has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of 40 seats, which amounts to 10 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of 118 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were 85 districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another 33 districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

New Mexico

The Democrats hold a four seat lead in the House, which is 5.7 percent of the 70 seats up for election in 2014. New Mexico's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on January 1st.

Battleground chamber: The New Mexico House has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of four seats, which amounts to 5.7 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of 15 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were nine districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another six districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

New York

The Democrats hold a three seat lead in the Senate, which is 4.8 percent of the 63 seats up for election in 2014. The 64-seat Democratic lead in the House is 42.67 percent of the 150 seats up for election in 2014. New York's state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins on January 1st. New York's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on January 1st.

Battleground chamber: The New York Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of three seats, which amounts to 4.8 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of nine districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were eight districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Additionally, District 37 had a margin of victory of 8 percent.

North Carolina

The Republicans hold a 16 seat lead in the Senate, which is 32 percent of the 50 seats up for election in 2014. The 34-seat Republican lead in the House is 28.3 percent of the 120 seats up for election in 2014. North Carolina's state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of the new General Assembly in January. North Carolina's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of the new General Assembly in January.

North Dakota

The Republicans hold a 19 seat lead in the Senate, which is 79.2 percent of the 24 seats up for election in 2014. The 48-seat Republican lead in the House is 100 percent of the 48 seats up for election in 2014. North Dakota's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on December 1st. North Dakota's state representatives are elected to a four-year term that begins on December 1st.

Ohio

The Republicans hold a 13 seat lead in the Senate, which is 76.5 percent of the 17 seats up for election in 2014. The 23-seat Republican lead in the House is 23.2 percent of the 99 seats up for election in 2014. Ohio's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on January 1st. Senators are limited to no more than two consecutive terms. Ohio's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on January 1st. Representatives are limited to no more than four consecutive terms.

Oklahoma

The Republicans hold a 24 seat lead in the Senate, which is 100 percent of the 24 seats up for election in 2014. The 43-seat Republican lead in the House is 42.6 percent of the 101 seats up for election in 2014. Oklahoma's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on November 17th. Senators are limited to no more than a combined total of twelve years in the senate and house of representatives. Oklahoma's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on November 17th. Representatives are limited to no more than a combined total of twelve years in the senate and house of representatives.

Oregon

The Democrats hold a two seat lead in the Senate, which is 13.3 percent of the 15 seats up for election in 2014. The eight-seat Democratic lead in the House is 13.3 percent of the 60 seats up for election in 2014. Oregon's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the second Monday in January. Oregon's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the second Monday in January.

Battleground chamber: The Oregon Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of two seats, which amounts to 13.3 percent of the seats up for election in 2014. In 2012, when 14 districts were up for election, a total of two districts were mildly competitive, with a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

Pennsylvania

The Republicans hold a four seat lead in the Senate, which is 16 percent of the 25 seats up for election in 2014. The 17-seat Republican lead in the House is 8.37 percent of the 203 seats up for election in 2014. Pennsylvania's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins in January. Pennsylvania's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins in January.

Battleground chambers: The Pennsylvania Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of four seats, which amounts to 16 percent of the seats up for election in 2014. In 2012, when the 25 odd-numbered districts were up for election, a total of three districts were competitive, with a margin of victory of 5 percent or less.

The Pennsylvania House has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of 17 seats, which amounts to 8.37 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of 17 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were seven districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another 10 districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

Rhode Island

The Democrats hold a 27 seat lead in the Senate, which is 71.1 percent of the 38 seats up for election in 2014. The 63-seat Democratic lead in the House is 84 percent of the 75 seats up for election in 2014. Rhode Island's state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Tuesday in January. Rhode Island's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Tuesday in January.

South Carolina

The Republicans hold a 32 seat lead in the House, which is 25.8 percent of the 124 seats up for election in 2014.South Carolina's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the Monday after the election.

South Dakota

The Republicans hold a 21 seat lead in the Senate, which is 60 percent of the 35 seats up for election in 2014. The 36-seat Republican lead in the House is 51.4 percent of the 70 seats up for election in 2014. South Dakota's state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of session after election (Jan. 11). Senators are limited to no more than four consecutive terms. South Dakota's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of session after election (Jan. 11). Representatives are limited to no more than four consecutive terms.

Tennessee

The Republicans hold a 19 seat lead in the Senate, which is 112 percent of the 17 seats up for election in 2014. The 44-seat Republican lead in the House is 44.4 percent of the 99 seats up for election in 2014. Tennessee's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the 15th of January after the election. Tennessee's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the 15th of January after the election.

Texas

The Republicans hold a seven seat lead in the Senate, which is 46.67 percent of the 15 seats up for election in 2014. The 40-seat Republican lead in the House is 26.67 percent of the 150 seats up for election in 2014. Texas's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the beginning of the legislative session (January). Texas's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the beginning of the legislative session (January).

Utah

The Republicans hold a 19 seat lead in the Senate, which is 135% percent of the 14 seats up for election in 2014. The 47-seat Republican lead in the House is 62.7 percent of the 75 seats up for election in 2014. Utah's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first day of January following a November election. Utah's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of January following a November election.

Vermont

The Democrats hold a 14 seat lead in the Senate, which is 46.7 percent of the 30 seats up for election in 2014. The 51-seat Democratic lead in the House is 34 percent of the 150 seats up for election in 2014. Vermont's state senators are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Wednesday after the first Tuesday in January. Vermont's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Wednesday after the first Tuesday in January.

Washington

The Democrats hold a 1 seat lead in the Senate, which is 4 percent of the 25 seats up for election in 2014. The 12-seat Democratic lead in the House is 12.24 percent of the 98 seats up for election in 2014. Washington's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first day of session. Washington's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of session.

Battleground chamber: The Washington Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of one seat, which amounts to 4 percent of seats up for election in 2014. In 2012, when 24 districts were up for election, a total of four districts were competitive or mildly competitive. One of those districts, District 41, is up for election again in 2014. That district had a margin of victory of 8 percent in 2012.

West Virginia

The Democrats hold a 14 seat lead in the Senate, which is 82.4 percent of the 17 seats up for election in 2014. The six-seat Democratic lead in the House is 6 percent of the 100 seats up for election in 2014. West Virginia's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first day of December following the election. West Virginia's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first day of December following the election.

Battleground chamber: The West Virginia House has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of six seats, which amounts to 6 percent of the chamber. In 2012, a total of 27 districts were competitive or mildly competitive. There were 18 districts where the margin of victory was 5 percent or less in the 2012 elections. Another nine districts had a margin of victory between 5 and 10 percent.

Wisconsin

The Republicans hold a three seat lead in the Senate, which is 17.6 percent of the 17 seats up for election in 2014. The 21-seat Republican lead in the Assembly is 21% percent of the 99 seats up for election in 2014. Wisconsin's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first Monday in January following the election. Wisconsin's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Monday in January following the election.

Battleground chamber: The Wisconsin Senate has a difference in partisan balance between Democrats and Republican of three seats, which amounts to 17.7 percent of the seats up for election in 2014. In 2012, when the 16 even-numbered districts were up for election, a total of two districts were competitive or mildly competitive. District 18 had a margin of victory of 0.7 percent in the 2012 elections. District 30 had a margin of victory of 9 percent.

Wyoming

The Republicans hold a 22 seat lead in the Senate, which is 147 percent of the 15 seats up for election in 2014. The 44-seat Republican lead in the House is 73.3 percent of the 60 seats up for election in 2014. Wyoming's state senators are elected to a four-year term that begins on the first Monday in January following the election. Wyoming's state representatives are elected to a two-year term that begins on the first Monday in January following the election.